Federal Chair Jerome Powell Reduces Fiscal Support for Economy(12-15-21) Digital Transformation Coming?

Federal Chair Jerome Powell discusses forward guidance of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) that is responsible for open market decisions who indicated a need to taper inflation (See description of FOMC). He provides an assessment of positive economic news in terms of labor, opening of economy, and aggregate demand. The assessment includes healthy outlook of business prospects in the near term. Higher GDP growth, low unemployment, and other positive indicators prompted the Federal Reserve to begin reducing financial support for the economy. There is also a market opportunity that has opened up....

Real GDP growth for the U.S. is expected to be 5.5% in 2021 and 4% in 2022. Its not a bad number and certainly could be correct but could also be influenced by digital adaptations of the Digital Economy that is not yet well understood on a Federal level yet. (Sometimes its beneficial look at trends of the two largest world economies such as China and the U.S.. You can review December 15th, 2021 Q3 China GDP Stats HERE. You can also get a glimpse of a strategy by reviewing China's increase in research and experimental expenditures 10.2% HERE. The U.S. is likewise making a strategic push by developing new infrastructure, COVID digital adjustments, return manufacturing to the US, and similar R&D expenditures. You can read an October 4th, 2021 congressional report on the nature of research in the U.S. and how much is business, university, federal, etc... Congressional Research, 2021 ). 

According to IDC, a provider of market intelligence projects, between 2022-24 more than half the global economy will be influenced by digital in some way, digital investments were 40% higher than two years ago ($6.3 trillion) and one in two companies will receive 40% of their income from digital projects and services (IDC, October, 2021). Such reports seem to indicate that fundamental way in which we conduct business (and the basics of transactions between entities is changing beyond traditional economic assumptions) is adjusting to new technology and such methods will become increasingly a  priority to the U.S. Thus, all numbers should be seen in imperfect benchmarks of international comparison and in turn the very definition of economic activity from a metric level may change (...likely to new future benchmarks through big data.).

The  U.S. experienced one of the largest growths in e-commerce (33.9%) in 2020 while the global economy experienced a 27.6% of e-commerce expansion over the same year. (Ti-Insight, 2021). You will also notice with the IMF report (Granted they are using data from 2019) that the most advanced nations have the most Internet users 80+% (IMF, October, 2021, Fig. 1.22) and as the market reaches saturation it will likely be more focused beyond new Internet sign ups. That shift will likely lay on bandwidth, security of data (new storage and dispersion methods), and advanced robotic/distribution methods that will increase production, delivery and innovation (Maybe an important marker of moving into an advanced digital age with new manufacturing capabilities; among other changes as a platform shift.)

T-Insight
You can see the U.S. as a top E-commerce
market in 2020

We can find some justification for this digital transformation from a CISCO Whitepaper that discusses increases in global Internet usage (66% of world population), increased bandwidth (more than doubled), and unfortunately more stolen records ( 776%%) highlighting security adjustments (Cisco Annual Report, 2020).  The trends toward greater integration of digital technologies with our physical world is becoming an increasing trend and the pandemic pushed it faster thereby putting pressure on American institutions to adapt more quickly (Stability can be maintained by focusing on integrity and transparency in institutional changes.). 

That can be a good thing for countries like the U.S. who instead of being swallowed up by the pandemic found a way to increase competitiveness and regain some lost ground. As the nation ponders infrastructure one should consider how investment in distribution and fulfilment can lead to increased venture and foreign capital investments (Lincoln International, 2021). Using our resources wisely today to build an export oriented infrastructure that complements an advanced digital nation will likely change the U.S. trajectory into something more positive (It could have went the other way but we were already beginning the transition and both presidents took reasonable steps that for the most part worked out on an economic level.) That network can be used to make the U.S. not only the most effective place to start businesses but also a place where new ideas meet advanced capabilities that leads to higher investment ROI. 

You can see some of the potential platform changes in a graph Digital Era/Information Age (See Sociological-Economic Platforms) 

(Disclaimer: These are only ideas based on a transactional theory that has been developing over the past 12+ years. It seeks to understand digital development through human adaptation that leads to innovation. Because theory constantly seeks to be tweaked one should make their own assumptions and do their own mental analysis. They are just ideas...so no claim to their accuracy other than to say they seem "in the ball park". Time will tell. If not...I learned some new things anyway. 🤷 For example, you an look at some Michigan's EV industry to see how some changes might occur. HERE or changes in how to power like industries HERE.)

'

Congressional Research (Oct. 4th, 2021) U.S. Research and Development Funding and Performance: Fact Sheet. Retrieved 12-17-21 from https://sgp.fas.org/crs/misc/R44307.pdf

Cisco (March 9th, 2020). Cisco Annual Internet Report (2018–2023) White Paper. Retrieved December 16th, 2021 https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/solutions/collateral/executive-perspectives/annual-internet-report/white-paper-c11-741490.html

IDC (October, 2021). Digital Transformation Investments to Represent More Than Half of All ICT Investment by 2024, According to IDC FutureScape. Retrieved December 16th, 2021 from https://www.idc.com/getdoc.jsp?containerId=prUS48333121

IMF (November, 2021, Fig. 1.22). World Economic Outlook [Figure 1.22, Internet Access Around the World]

Lincoln International (August 2021). E-commerce, Sustainability and Digital Capabilities Drive Consolidation. Retrieved 12-1721 from https://www.lincolninternational.com/perspectives/articles/e-commerce-sustainability-and-digital-capabilities-drive-consolidation/

Ti-Insight ( Sept. 30th, 2021). The world’s fastest growing e-commerce logistics market. Retrieved December 16th, 2021 from https://www.ti-insight.com/briefs/fastest-growing-e-commerce-logistics-market/

Happy 185 Birthday Upper Peninsula of Michigan-Frostbitten Convention 1836

TV6

The hardy people from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan are used to the cold, the wild, and small communities. Prior to the Internet (I know the young might not remember) people had to travel with their cars to visit friends and relatives. Prior to the car (which I don't remember) many farmed, hunted, trapped and didn't go beyond 30 miles from their home. You had to be hardy to live in an area like this (Think Alaska and Siberia!) 

Today is the Upper Peninsula of Michigan's 185th bday and we Yoopers are still around to celebrate the Frostbitten Convention of 1836 (I done cleaning my driveway out of 13 inches of snow a few days ago so I guess I can celebrate! ❄️). Maggie Duly from Fox TV 6 put together a celebratory article Happy Birthday, Upper Peninsula! U.P. turns 185 on Tuesday

Could Michigan be the Place for EV Investments and Export Infrastructure?

Michigan is one of those states where opportunities to invest, build and "frolic" are available in abundance. Michigan isn't just a beautiful outdoor tourism state (the Upper Peninsula is a great place to visit) it is also becoming a "hot spot" for EV investment. The political climate of Michigan seems to be shifting toward collaboration in the post-Covid world and it would seem there is increased focus on building a cutting edge industry so as to secure economic vitality for the foreseeable future (Once your the branded as the primary place for certain industries they stick to those regions for a long time.). GM investments are one sign of renewed effort and hopefully we will see other advanced auto manufacturers following suit once a proper infrastructure plan is created. That will also require some form of marketing opportunities to industry stakeholders (....and other industries that will benefit from that infrastructure. See Pure Michigan, Marketing Databases, Attracting SME, Branding Cities and Clusters,  ).

The article GM eyes investments of more than $4 billion in Michigan EV plants that includes two Michigan locations(It costs $1 to $2 Billion to start an EV plant). Plant 1: $2.5 billion battery facility near Lansing in partnership with LG Energy Solution (051910.KS) and Plant #2 another $2 billion build in Orion Township to produce electric trucks. You can read more about other types of car investments in Michigan in Whitmer's GM Announcement.  Michigan Economic Development also put together some state auto statistics. To move into more depth on the topice it is often beneficial to look at industry reports such as 'The State of US Automotive Industry' and 'Exploring the Mobility & Automotive Industry Cluster'.

When I checked Ford's site I noticed increases in EV efforts but didn't see many announcements specifically focused on Michigan (According to some recent announcements they have decided to invest outside of Michigan indicating that the strategy shift appears to be true. There are ways to avoid this in the future. If the State of MI invests in hard infrastructure in conjunction with major manufacturers and suppliers they might become one of the most cost-value effective places to invest; regardless of reasonable tax rates. See $18.5 Billion MI Christmas Think about how shipping, resources, labor, etc....included in clusters and how the availability of such factors/resources influence the cost of conducting business. Tax rate is subjective based on the benefits the cluster offers in terms of rapid innovation and the infrastructure that allows for the shortest lead time between prototype and full production; not to mention decreased costs and improved access to resources. Ford trying to recreate much of that in a new location would seem short and mid term counterintuitive. Not sure on the strategy. It could work in the long run but the benefits aren't as likely to be realized as those who utilize new advanced infrastructure and have access to resources needed by shifting industries to quickly adapt and grow. In other words, there are also long term risks for Ford that is dependent in part on what MI does. Better to hedge with other industries to improve the export oriented structures that can push an industry to global leadership; in our case reclaim. See Systems Thinking, Industry Game Theory,  Cross Structure Synergy, Institutional Investors Cluster Stages, Economic Platforms, Perpetual Sustainable Development and American Semiconductor Cluster. I have been working on a theory and wrapping it back into itself to ensure it helps explain potential phenomenon as well as maintain an internally consistent logic. The model is just used to help explain the bigger phenomenon. Its just an idea...so its up to each person to determine its merit. Theory of Transactional Clusters. Its just a theory so and a Delta County Model) 

Where the industry development magic really happens during ground breaking innovation is in situations where companies like Ford, GM, Fiat Chrysler, Toyota, etc... work in collaboration and competition within a similar larger system where resources and ideas spill over from one to the other. It is those shared competencies and resources that expand homegrown supply chains, educational competencies, advanced design engineering, tertiary industries, etc... Success in one industry often changes the technology available for other industries who then seek their own production contracts in locations that minimize their risks and increase their likelihood of success. 

The basic auto and manufacturing infrastructure currently exists in Michigan and seeing the the benefits of localized pack investing often leads to larger outcomes beyond the initial investments. The state can still recover by working with GM to attract other car manufacturers, suppliers, similar tech firms and long term EV investments that can build off of prior infrastructure systems (I looked around for some resources and found MICHauto Investment that talks about retaining the auto industry in Michigan. Some more information on Drive Electric Week.)

Furthermore a quick review of a couple of car companies/suppliers show there is increased investments by auto manufacturers in the general Great Lakes region (Someone would have to run the official numbers and do an actual formal analysis to determine what areas, products and extent.). That could be an indication of larger ramping of up of next generation transport and aerospace technology produced in Michigan and wider Great Lakes region (Michigan should develop a plan to rejuvenate the state through innovation, small-business/start-ups, advanced manufacturing, investments and tourism.). 

If true that significant resources are making their way to the area it could be indicative of industries starting to adapt to a national trend into the Digital Era/Information Age. A strong EV auto and space industry matched with an export oriented infrastructure investments could create butterfly sparks into other industries. (See Delta County Multi Industries and Butterfly Effect Innovation).. (Maybe or maybe not? It depends on choices, political capital, investment climate, etc....lots of different factors involved.) The point being if we believe we have a chance to return manufacturing to Michigan (US) on the cusp of digital technology changes, then participating industries could ride the upswing in renaissance type innovations. Whether or not we "frolic" through the fields of opportunity is highly dependent on our choices today at a time when many industries are shifting toward emerging markets (Which will determine in part whether the U.S. will lead or follow). 

What is the Summit for Democracy?

The Ouroboros represents the

cycle of renewal. Science and Democracy

Scientific Education=Science Literacy=Reflective Citizen=Democracy

The Summit for Democracy was/is an international pro-Democracy forum hosted by the U.S. Department of State as an avenue to raise awareness of the risks to democracy itself. You can obtain some additional information on their main page 'The Summit for Democracy'. As a response to seeing democracy backslide around the world, the U.S. put together a summit to discuss and display commitment to democracy from government, civil society, and the private sector leaders. The message resonating is that we have to renew our commitment to certain democratic principles if we expect them to survive.

Authoritarianism mixed with corruption that moves beyond the financial incentives to include circumventing human rights seems to be growing as an international trend (From a sociological perspective one could say there are shifts in the underpinnings of society.). Authoritarianism is antithetical to a free people who decide things collectively by ensuring the natural power and rights of each individual is not supplanted by the selfish needs of the few. Democracy has its roots in the very beginning formation of our civilization (beyond western civilization) and is essential to our success (or failure depending on the ability to make it a relevant philosophy for each generation's problems.).

There are always forces that seek to gain power over others and that often means they would need to undermine our democratic institutions by casting long shadows of doubt through unjustified criticisms. There is always room for legitimate criticism of public institutions and when well thought out are worth their weight in gold. There is a difference between undermining and reflecting for future growth. Our institutions should and can adjust but we as a people must commit to working within those anchor institutions to ensure our way of life persists. Unjust criticism often is amebic by nature and doesn't offer many solutions.  

Nietzsche believed that people always want more power using motive based behaviors throughout their lives in his publication Will to Power. This deep seated urge is precisely the reason why we need strong trusted institutions that act with integrity so as to ensure the power stays in the collective. Corruption, hyper politics, radicalism, elitism, etc... all reduce that trust and in turn breaks the mutually agreed upon bonds of common destiny. (Ok...I know...I'm just being philosophical here.)

The event seems to focus on rebuilding international commitment to democracy. In this case, it looks like the U.S. is trying to lead this conversation (Which isn't a bad strategy or rebuilding our international position.) to attract democratic supportive governments to work toward the bigger picture. Participating organizations/countries can support each other in this process by the free exchange of ideas, peoples, and commerce mixed with thoughtful feedback (so we aren't blinded) in a way that often leads to greater long-term partnerships.

Our problems won't dissipate until there is firm commitment to essential American values and our hierarchy of beliefs puts core essential principles primary in decision making (i.e. Constitution, rule of law, freedom of speech, etc....)  You may want to read 'What is a Backsliding Democracy and Why was the U.S. Added?' to gain an additional perspective on how and why the U.S. was included as a society that became more authoritarian. The good news is we can reverse this trend if we rebuild our centralists, ensure our institutions focus on their missions, remove corruption (of any type) and draw people into a single vision of who we are and where we want to go. 

I could probably go on and on and on about some needed changes such as more focus on balancing the economy with small business (opportunities that create net positives), hiring for skill/ability and not nepotism, universalized justice system, focus on innovation, building a high values adaptable export oriented infrastructure (i.e. ports, Internet, multiple source energy grids, etc....) and attracting HQ and manufacturing to the U.S. Moving beyond hard infrastructure we can turn attention to the importance of arts (poetry, meaningful music, painting, drawing, dance, etc....) to embed our essential beliefs (There is a historical pattern to art I believe with the same symbolic impressions "core truths" that come up in every society and in every generation. Art is about teaching values and beliefs in an entertaining way that breaks through our mental schemas that would have likely missed the message of the authors. See Thousand Years, Red Queen , Vervet Monkeys, Hyperpolitics and Dem/Rep Comp.🤓) 

The Subtle Form of Discrimination or Fair Management Judgement (How Would You Interpret It? Community College Example)

The Importance of 
Quality Education
to Our Young

There is overt and subversive types of discrimination of which the later is the most dangerous. Because its not direct it is hard to address and has far reaching consequences for the full development of communities and society. Subtle forms of discrimination can be very hard to put your finger on because candidates can be rejected for any reasons or no reason at all. To determine whether its an accurate reason, a reasonable reason, or a discriminatory reason are elusive without accurate information. We continue to discuss and debate these issues in a nation that is now diverse and our long term survival of our republic depends on solutions that bind us together. 

Let me give you an example of how this might work at community college. Based on the job description you are a qualified candidate that exceeds the requirements of the position by education, skill, academic/professional experience. No response on a number of applications to various prior adjunct positions but as a stand alone factor it isn't of much concern. In and of itself means nothing because sometimes more qualified candidates are found and that would make sense.

You apply for an adjunct position and someone from HR gets back to you right away because they have a desperate need. The HR representative looked at your resume and thought you would be a good match as he/she explains that you are more than qualified. You agree to fill out the application and submit by the next day and in turn spend an hour or two getting it done to fulfill the hurried request.

There is one caveat. You don't have your references because you haven't applied for an adjunct position in a while. The system won't let you put the application in until you have a reference. You put a place holder reference in and get back to the HR representative and let them know you completed the application but didn't put the references in but if they need them you will get them. 

Indicates Global Societies
Need Leaders of Capable of Understanding
to Create Intellectual Capital
and Financial Success. That will be hard skill to develop
 if we don't expose students
global cultures and practices.
Diversity Intelligence

You come up with a few good names of people have worked with and reach out to the HR representative again about the references (Actually you can exceed their reference requirements because you have been in the field for a while and have not only received high evaluations but have a history of positive working relationships.). Nothing! No response! You send an email to the HR director inquiring if there is still a need. Nothing! Dead silence!

You make the assumption that they don't need you and promise yourself that you will apply to the next adjunct position and have the references ready to put in the application (Regardless of if they tell you to get your application in quickly or not.). At the time you thought you were doing them a favor (I guess yourself as well) and were doing what they needed and requested. Sometimes wires get crosses so your open to alternative explanations but the lack of response is concerning.

A red flag is sort of raised by the incident. Is it because you did something wrong, your not qualified, small town rumors, discrimination or something else? You really don't know...but its an odd situation. So the best thing you can do is sort of keep your eye out for new adjunct spots and "chalk it up" as an unexplained event. However, you scratch head as the concept of "did they really find a more qualified candidate?" and even if they did what is the "ghosting" and rude/unprofessional behavior about (Keeping in mind its not a university town and its isolated so some types of candidates are likely to be in limited supply.)🤔?

That is the problem with subtle forms of discrimination (not saying it is that yet) because like passive aggressive behavior its hard to address appropriately (maybe there is a psychological association between the two. See Passive Aggression-Discrimination and how it impacts not only "others" but also our veterans.) Behaviors could mean something or they could mean nothing (Its highly subjective without factual information.). Your personal and professional judgements believes its not "nothing" but you can't definitively say "its something". You can suspect it is based in bias, you suspect its based the "rumor mill" but you can't really say one way or another (See how this is difficult to say concisely?). 

However, we do know that if ("If" is the term and under what criteria?) such practices are occurring it runs counter to EEOC and Federal Law and limits the type of experiences students have (As based in the mission statement and the needs of tax payers.). Thus, the beliefs and decision of one person(s) impacts the student body by lowering the quality of education and in turn the mission and values of the entire organization (by extension anyone who attends and that in turn represents are large part of the community. Their decision may be limiting the future of youths/students in the area.). Does it really matter? Probably not....not unless we believe its important. 

How you interpret the situation might be dependent on your value system and your background. A far right ideology adherent might say...."Who cares? Do you think someone should just give you the position if you didn't earn it? I'm tired of these people always complaining!" While someone of the far left persuasion might retort, "Our society is inherently discriminatory and its exactly this type of masked biased that creates all the problems! Hiring mangers [companies, colleges, etc...] do what they want with no accountability! It must end!". Someone in the middle might say, "I don't know if its either one way or another. I do know that young adults should be exposed to different types of faculty and if the person exceeds qualifications they should not be rejected without serious consideration." The HR person might dig into their legal training and say, "They didn't put in their references [or other selection criteria] so I reject everyone who doesn't do that regardless of whether they were informing me of their time frame! I can find more justification if needed to support my decisions.".  ....or maybe something else. (I claim to know little here.)

What do you think? Managers discretion or something more? Try and answers it for yourself and your personal learning and solidification of what you believe. Which values should take precedence in our society? These issues will become increasingly important as we deal with the pressures and pushes of two different visions for America (I suspect the more practical vision will win out but you never know.) butting against the pressures of an interconnected global society (They have interests as well in how we turn out as a nation.). 

The goal is to highlight that as a society we are changing and we will struggle with similar issues in towns, companies, higher education and other institutions across the country....but it is these issues that will tie us together or break us apart. The causes and solutions can be amebic and of course can't always see these situations clearly because we are not "flys" on the wall. Despite academics and politicians and the general populace debating such concepts they often do so based on existing values. As a nation we will need to move toward national reconciliation where we compete as a single people with a single overriding vision (This is a team and organizational perspective and not a promotion of any political agenda.). As academics we have a duty to raise such issues for general mental consumption by societal stakeholders (and researchers). "Responsibilities of Doctors".We will someday find a way through the fog and politically dicey issues. See "The Intolerance of Tolerance-Respectful Civic Debate on Campuses". You may also want to read a study on how higher education is globalizing in 'The Development of Global Higher Education in a World of Transformation' and a somewhat dated University of Michigan study ,'Diversity and Higher Education: Theory and Impact on Educational Outcomes'.

Mense, Evan & Lemoine, Pamela & Garretson, Christopher & Richardson, Michael. (2018). The Development of Global Higher Education in a World of Transformation. Journal of Education and Development. 2. 47. 10.20849/jed.v2i3.529. 

Gurin, P., Dey, E., Hurtado, S., & Gurin, G. (2002). Diversity and Higher Education: Theory and Impact on Educational Outcomes. Harvard Educational Review, 72(3), 330-367. http://dx.doi.org/10.17763/haer.72.3.01151786u134n051 Retrieved from https://escholarship.org/uc/item/9f77t8j3

Transformation

Act Seeks to Ensure Veterans Affairs is Updated and Functioning at Full Capacity

On November 17th, 2021 HR4626 was referred to Congressional Committee on Veterans Affairs. You can read the bill HERE .  HR 4626 goes by the title of “VA Assessment by Independent Measures Act” or the “VA AIM Act”.' The act is designed to ensure that the VA functions with efficiency, cost effectiveness and with positive outcomes. Based on some of the troubles of the past it is important to ensure we continuously improve the VA department (as well as perhaps all other departments as a general approach) to ensure positive outcomes that serve our veterans and society.

In general it states, "Independent Assessments.—Not less frequently than once every 10 years, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall enter into one or more contracts with a private sector entity or entities described in subsection (d) to conduct an independent assessment of the hospital care, medical services, and other health care furnished by the Department of Veterans Affairs."

Government systems are sometimes known to have problems because they become stuck using certain processes/mindsets that don't change quickly as the private sector to market factors (This is why govt. outsources. If they get efficient and effective they could outsource less.). Many of our systems are antiquated and based in the WWII post war emergence. We are moving into a new way of functioning (Digital Era/Information Age) and older systems will be thrusted to update not only to collaborate with wider stakeholders but also because people expect them to update. 

A formula showing how to measure
Bureaucrat performance by principle-agent problems
of incentives, selection, and measurement.
(Besley, et. al 2021)

What I like about this Bill is that it offers a mechanism to create adjustments and changes to ensure the system stays increasingly effective (We know that every 10 years.). All systems must continuously tweak toward greater efficiency and effectiveness to create the building blocks to a more functioning larger governmental system. That is unlikely to happen without some type of audit and review (Based on appropriate performance metrics that still likely need to be defined and will continue to be defined.). However, there is something to think about here.....ensuring that the auditors and people engaged  in the review are not looking simply toward efficiency but also adjusting the entire system with "out of the box" thinking toward greater effectiveness through cross organization functionality. Thus reach, effectiveness, performance, and cross institution (vendor and other agencies) integration is helpful to develop immersive (total vs. disjointed) services that use our resources well to create "net positives" for society. 

"There is a strong positive cross-sectional relationship between the level of bureaucratic capacity and the level of economic development as measured by GDP per capita." (Besley, et. al, 2021, Pg 9, para 2)

Besley, T. ,et. al (August, 2021). Bureaucracy and Development. (Working Paper 29163). National Bureau of Economic Research. Retrieved December 7th, 2021 https://www.nber.org/system/files/working_papers/w29163/w29163.pdf

Moving Hate to Group Growth (Sports, Beers and Bullies)?

Most people change and adapt throughout their lives when placed in the right environment with the right pressures. Some become stuck in a way thinking and when their narrow viewpoint clashes with the world around them they may utilize their social networks to confirm that their perception is the "correct" one. The problem is that there are many different ways of viewing the world and to say one is correct over the other often leads to conflict as good conscious is replaced by use of force and intimidation to ensure their perception is the leading one (Self identity and world view are associated.). 

Most people if asked can relate the strengths and failures as a person and have some level of remorse when hasty choices are destructive. When false perceptions are confirmed by dysfunctional groups there is little to no internal learning (Its not race, religion ore even country specific). They are having difficulty moving outside of that mold to change their perspective and that in turn carries with it ongoing risks of future need to confirm their distorted views through their social networks. 

I use the term "sports, beers and bullies" because the group is question has not changed much from highschool nor have they adapted well to global shifts. They have the same identities and seem to relish in this antiquated viewpoint of themselves. There is little fear walking among them, shaking their hands, and saying "hi" because I know where they come from. I came from the very same background but along the path I traveled have been exposed (mostly willing but sometimes unwilling) to all the colors under the sky.

The problem is we can't allow such groups to continue to develop a new generation of narrow minded individuals for fear that they will not be able to compete effectively on a global world. Opportunities will run through their fingers whether or not they are aware of those opportunities. They will continue to slip in position and stature and helping them means bringing greater awareness to their lives. Unfortunately, as with all kinds of cultic outlooks they rely on the same self-confirmed logic through the same networks and thus unexposed. 

While my strategy is to be polite and friendly I'm not unaware of the ongoing risks when groups get upset and in turn are willing to act on these unquestioned loyalties. Most of the members are very good people and not willing to engage in wanton destruction. Yet there are some who are emboldened and all to willing to force their inappropriate values on others. They call me a "bitch" because I refuse to submit to group intimidation and have the skills to stand for something greater (Its not about them or even me.). 

There are values that take precedence that go back to our time honored principles as a nation. We have generations of people who died for those beliefs and it would be dishonorable to allow them to be trashed because people can be easily manipulated. They know little of me and what they do know is unlikely to be accurate (In some ways I can't blame them...they have no way of cognitively bridging the gap.). What I can say is that as our nation globalizes their limited beliefs are unlikely to serve their long term interests well (They will increasingly become the fringe.). Yet there is still hope they have learned from this situation...I know I have.("Know thy neighbor")

So where do we go from here? I'm not sure. I will be around serving my community (like I have served them even though they do not know it....but will likely become aware at some point in the future.) and of course will go where I want and when I want. Rage and hate has no place in our communities anymore as it holds us back from our full potential as a nation and people. So I smile with a little sadness as a sort of kindness for I know there is so much untapped potential here. Maybe we can change that for the next generation.

"Raise your words, not voice. It is rain that grows flowers, not thunder.” Rumi